Sanuki Udon — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Sanuki Udon is the kind of place that makes you forgive cramped spaces and questionable air-conditioning. Up on the first floor of a modest shoplot, it’s a no-frills Japanese eatery with the kind of authenticity that doesn’t need Instagram filters. Wooden tables, dim lights, and two bar counters give it a rustic charm.

The udon here is the real deal: thick, chewy, and freshly made every day. The House Special Udon, topped with a soft-poached onsen egg, is as comforting as it sounds. Break that egg and watch it ooze over the noodles like molten lava—simple, unpretentious, and somehow addictive. The cold Original Soup Udon is refreshing, with firm noodles plunged into icy broth, accented with wasabi and scallions. It’s light, smoky, and just enough to make you slurp like nobody’s watching.

Side dishes are where Sanuki really shines. Chicken karaage is crispy outside, juicy inside, and practically demands attention. Vegetable kakiage tempura is always reliable—crispy, satisfying, and a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients hit hardest. Fried mushrooms, gyoza, and skewers fill out the menu, keeping the variety interesting without breaking the bank. Most dishes hover around RM8 to RM17, which in KL terms is practically a steal for hand-crafted Japanese noodles.

Service fluctuates between attentive and outright rude, with a few staff who seem to carry the collective apathy of a Monday morning, every morning. One waiter might slam your bowl down like he’s breaking up with you. Another might flat-out refuse extra sauce.

The crowd is a mix: Japanese expats missing home, locals hunting value, students avoiding cafeteria food, foodies from TikTok chasing hype. Everyone leaves with a story. Some come back religiously; others vow never again, still haunted by the memory of a cockroach crawling across your table.

So is Sanuki Udon the best udon in KL? It’s the best bowl you’ll get for RM8. It’s the kind of place where food is humble, honest, and satisfying, even when the ambience can be grim and the tempura’s shrunk...

Sanuki Udon has become one of my go-to places for a satisfying udon fix, and I’ve visited the restaurant more than five times already. What impresses me the most is that it consistently delivers a good meal, especially considering its price point.

The Ume Udon is my absolute love – the unique tanginess of the ume complements the udon perfectly, creating a delightful blend of flavors. For those looking for something less sour, the mentai butter udon is an equally good choice, and it’s genuinely filling too. Another dish I enjoy is the kitsune udon, featuring sweet beancurd, which is a delicious alternative for a more comforting taste.

Although I’m not a huge fan of deep-fried skewers, the Kushiage are flavorful but be mindful that you are paying per stick and may not amount to a lot of food per skewer. However, personally, I’d prefer a simple grilled pork belly option instead, but I appreciate the variety they offer (for those who enjoy the skewers).

Moving on to the restaurant’s ambiance, I do believe there’s room for improvement. While the overall atmosphere is decent, I noticed some areas felt dimmer than others, making it slightly challenging to see, especially during dinner time. The seating arrangement by the high table at the bar also had its downside, as the air-conditioner directed its cool breeze directly at us, which could be a bit unpleasant.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s best to plan your visit earlier in the evening, around 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. During this time, the wait is usually manageable, with only one or two tables ahead of you. However, if you arrive later, be prepared to face a more extensive line, as the restaurant tends to get busy during peak...

came for early lunch around 11++ and the place is still empty. come lunch hours and you'll have to wait for a table! ordered :- a) Wakame Udon Hot @ RM8.50 - al dente udon but the broth is COMPLETELY tasteless! b) Dan Dan Udon Hot @ RM9.50 - al dente udon and is sauce is good. a little tangy and addictive. c) Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen @ RM16 - al dente ramen. broth is flavorful and so is the ajitsuke tamago. The cha shu is nice too albeit a little thin for the price. d) Miso Tonkotsu Ramen @ RM16 - al dente ramen. broth is too overwhelming for my liking. u feel "jelak" after a few spoons! there is also a spoonful of corn added into the broth and a shake of sesame seed. First time I had Choy sum in my ramen. :o e) Karaage Chicken @ RM8 - nicely deep fried with crispy skin and juicy meat. Serving is miserly though! f) dipping chili - a tad spicy but tasteless

food is just meh. new premise (1st floor) is clean, spacious and orderly. Service is ok. You will be given a room if you have more than 4pax instead of sitting at the main hall (tables fits 3) or you may choose to sit at the bar to dine. cutlery seriously needs replacement. Coffee shop's are in better condition to here! Imagine that! the selection of music at this eatery is simply erratic. Who plays ROCK music in a...